Triplets are not so rare any more.

Triplet gestations present a considerable management challenge due to a high rate of antenatal, intrapartum and neonatal complications. The introduction of ovulation inducing agents resulted in a marked increase of these pregnancies. Consequently, triplet conceptions are not considered a rare phenomenon and have become almost routine high risk pregnancies. In our department the triplet gestation frequency increased 2-4 times in a 10 year period from a rate of 0.07-0.14% during 1978-84 to 0.28% of all deliveries in 1987. This high incidence of triplet deliveries results in a threefold increase in the frequency of triplet neonates and their associated complications. It is reasonable to assume that the wide application of various assisted reproductive techniques will result in continuous increase in the incidence of triplets which will in turn require coordinated management of a high risk pregnancy unit, delivery room and neonatal intensive care unit.